Key facts
- Israeli forces carried out "violent explosions" near Khiam, southern Lebanon.
- The blast damaged a school, homes, and other buildings in surrounding towns.
- Power was cut to the Nabeh al-Hamam area and parts of the Arqoub subregion.
- More than 320 property destruction events were recorded in southern Lebanon in August.
- Over 210 property destruction events occurred between September 1 and September 21.
Israeli forces conducted "violent explosions" near the southern Lebanese town of Khiam on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. The blast, which occurred around midnight, shattered windows in nearby towns such as Marjaayoun and Qlayaa, and damaged Marjaayoun National College, forcing a temporary closure of classes. Power was also cut to the Nabeh al-Hamam area and parts of the Arqoub subregion.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported the explosions, noting that Israeli forces reportedly demolished several chalets in the hilltop town. The force of the blast was felt miles away. Images shared online depicted the scale of the event, which lit up the night sky.
This incident is part of a continuing trend of Israeli property destruction across southern Lebanon following a ceasefire in June. According to Nasser Khdour, Middle East Assistant Research Manager at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), August saw over 320 property destruction events, the highest monthly figure to date, followed by another 210 events between September 1 and September 21. Khdour stated that Khiam has been the most affected village.
Videos circulating online also appeared to show Israeli troops raising the Israeli flag at the northern entrance to Khiam. Khdour noted an increase in Israeli air and drone strikes in September across a wider area of southern Lebanon, including Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa, Kfar Tebnit, Zawtar al-Sharqiya, and Qantara, some of which are already within the "Yellow Line."